Irish coach Brian Kelly planned to announce Golson as the starter after Thursday afternoon practice, but the news slipped through a crack in the Guglielmino Athletics Complex and into common knowledge earlier in the day.

Even without Rees available for the start of the season, the Fighting Irish have plenty of depth at the quarterback position, and head coach Brian Kelly has a strong track record with quarterbacks.

Who Will Be The Best QB For Notre Dame In 2012?

Who Will Be The Best QB For Notre Dame In 2012?

Gunner Kiel

Everett Golson

73.1%

Tommy Rees

7.6%

Andrew Hendrix

6.2%

Total votes: 1,946

Between Golson, highly-touted recruit Gunner Kiel and junior Andrew Hendrix, it was not panic time for the Irish when Rees was suspended.

The only downside to picking either Golson or Kiel is that neither player has thrown a pass at this level. However, they each contain a level of upside not found in Hendrix, though he's a reliable backup for his experience.

Certainly, Kiel came to Notre Dame with a lot more fanfare. He was a 5-star recruit and the top quarterback in last year's class, according to Rivals.

Golson is a dual-threat option quarterback with a strong arm and presence in the pocket, but he is quick to tuck and run whenever he gets the chance.

Notre Dame could be playing a game of musical chairs at quarterback this season, but it appears Golson will get the first crack to take control of the job.